I like to describe myself as a wandering homebody. I LOVE to travel, but I also adore being at home. My hubs is the same way. During the months that aren’t winter we often force ourselves to get out more and go to movies or panel discussions, and out to dinner, because we know that once that cold weather hits, we won’t leave the house unless we absolutely have to. That means weekend mornings we usually leave the house between 7 and 8am to either run or go to yoga, and then grab brunch, groceries, and fit in any other errands that need to get done. Once we walk back through that door after hours of shuffling around town, that’s it–we’re not leaving the apartment the rest of the day. I think this way of living also speaks to my inclination towards almost anal retentive efficiency. I like the day to be neat and compartmentalized–there’s a time to be out, and a time to be in.

I only reveal these neurotic tendencies to illustrate what a feat the completion of my 14 mile run was on Sunday.

I could have completed the whole thing under cloudy but dry skies if I had gotten up really early. Instead I stayed up late the night before for the most frustrating 4 hours of my life that ended with my Wolverines losing to MSU. Annoyed and exhausted from getting up at 5 all week, I slept in all the way until 645. I knew rain was coming and although I curse the weather channel app because it always seems to screw me, I kept refreshing the forecast as I hydrated, fueled, and body-glided myself into run-readiness. By the time I got out the door, I knew I had a little over an hour before it started pouring. My plan was to get in as many miles as I could outside, then grab the bag I left with my doorman and skip over to the gym to finish up on the treadmill. The plan was less than ideal. The reality even more so.

I was hoping the first 20-30 minutes of rain would be more of a sprinkle that I could handle. I thought I might be able to get in as many as 8-10 miles before I had to head inside. That sprinkle started at mile 3, then became more steady by miles 4 and 5. By the time I made it back to my building I had clocked in 7.25 miles and I was SOAKED. My plan to grab my bag and head to the gym was a no-go, I had to head upstairs and change my sloshing shoes and drenched clothes.

I barely spoke a word to my husband as I dumped everything at the door and scurried to collect dry reinforcements. He had skipped his extra yoga class in exchange for a well deserved lazy Sunday morning on the sofa watching Star Wars. I knew if I went over to him, or even engaged in too much conversation, it would feel impossible to go back out again. He asked me if I needed anything. I told him, “nope, love you”, kept my head down, grabbed the big umbrella, and shot right back out the door. After watching me come in completely wrecked by the rain, I could tell my doorman Daniel thought I was a bit cuckoo to be headed back out. But I was on a mission. I wasn’t enjoying myself. I was uncomfortable, and tired, and things weren’t running smoothly–but none of that mattered.

I don’t know if residual rain was falling off my body on that treadmill or if I really was just sweating buckets, but that second 7 miles was almost as wet as the first. After 3 miles I stripped down to my sports bra cause the tank I had changed into was so saturated it was weighing me down. I was “that guy” at the gym–the one who’s got open treadmills on each side of him because no one wants to get too close and get hit with flying perspiration. I say that “guy” cause I’ve never actually seen a woman be that sweaty–I might have broken some records. Anxious to finish the run, I gradually increased my pace, but had to be careful not to slip with the slick runway I had created for myself.

When I finally clocked in my 14 miles I walked for a bit on the treadmill, then started to gather my things and wipe down the machine. I had never felt like such a mess. My hair was crazy, my gut was hanging out. I looked like I had just jumped into a pool with my shoes on. The sweat and the rain had rinsed the last of the body glide I had left on my thighs off, and a quick tug on my shorts revealed the deep sting of fresh chafing. It was a far cry from the glorious 18 mile finish with a view of Manhattan in crisp 60 degree weather that I had experienced the week before. It was not just not pretty–it was ugly.

While I may have been a hot mess walking home from the gym, I was a hot mess with some serious pride. I couldn’t believe I actually left my apartment that second time. It wasn’t what I wanted to do, I wanted to hop in the shower, dry off, and get under a blanket with my hubs on that sofa and watch Return of the Jedi. What amazes me is that I didn’t even see that as an option when I went home. This training has reprogrammed by brain in a way that I didn’t realize was possible. I’m not saying I’m never going to sleep in again, or skip a workout, or make pancakes instead of lacing up my trainers. But I know now that when I set my mind to something, I can get myself into a gear that’s resistant to road blocks. I used to think Bikram was my ultimate teacher–it’s what really started my journey in getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Marathon training has taken that conditioning to an entirely new level. My tolerance for discomfort is at an all time high. Mentally, I know that there is an end–and I’ve stopped letting myself get crazy and anxious, as if there is not.

You know what else I learned this week? I think marathon training is bringing all this great stuff out of me–mental toughness, perseverance, grit, discipline. It’s bringing it out–it’s not creating it. Marathon training hasn’t morphed me into this incredibly disciplined person–it’s exposed a discipline that I’ve always had inside me but haven’t always utilized. Yes, I think this process changes us and moves us and can be unbelievably transformative. But I also think it’s especially revealing. While I’ve often surprised myself during this journey–I’ve also recognized myself. How strange to recognize a person that I’ve barely seen before now. It’s like I’m the closest I’ve ever been to who I’m supposed to be.

This line of thinking is going to be revisited shortly. Lots developing there I think.

Wish me luck this week guys–it’s my PEAK WEEK! 40 miles total and the BIG KAHUNA–20 miler on Sunday!! Needing all your good vibes for sure.

Got a long run this week? Doesn’t have to be 20! Shout it out here, I’ll send some good juju your way as well!!

I am so anxious to hear from all of you–what have you learned about yourself this week–from training, from work, from home-life? What do you think? Do you think training and other experiences like it build and shape us? Or do you think they uncover us? Expose who we really were all along?

Post navigation

66 thoughts on “Week 14: “How do I Know this Person?””

Isn’t it crazy what you will do to get those miles in when training for a marathon??!! I love your statement ‘tolerance for discomfort’, that was my training in a nutshell in the FL heat and humidity!!

I haven’t read out of order, I’m woking toward this weekend’s run!! I can wait to read how it went!!

I read this earlier but never got a chance to comment…. this post is SO inspiring, it ALMOST makes me want to train for a marathon :). I love that you say you’re “the closest I’ve ever been to who I’m supposed to be”. That, right there, is something everyone can work towards and hope for; the tricky part is we all have to find it within ourselves and no one else can tell us what it looks like. But reading the story of how you’ve done it has definitely inspired me to look for that within myself, whether it’s through running, writing, working, or being a mom, I hope I can always be striving to be closer to the person who I’m supposed to be and finding those great attributes that lie within, just waiting to be drawn out.

Careful with that ALMOST girl, sometimes it jumps up and bites you!
I love what you said about how everyone can work towards being who they are supposed to be–it’s so true. What an awesome, but also attainable goal right? To be true to ourselves, to realize our potential. I know it’s not easy, but I think it’s a hell of a lot more manageable than trying to be or keep up with everyone else!

Yes, number 1 over here 🙊🙈. I guess I am loving it, you’re right 😍. I’m definitely new to the workload and it’s been a huge challenge, but can’t say I would trade the experience for anything!! Thanks so much for stopping by and chiming in lady, appreciate it!!

Been there done that. I’m to stubborn to quit. Yes, training brings out our strengths and things we have hidden in us. I’m weeks out from my duathlon and doing brick sessions has taught me I’m made of tougher stuff than when I was doing training for just running races. I love how it not only strengthens and builds my body, but my mental muscle too. That strong mental muscle works in all areas of life! You also learn that you can do things you previously thought you couldn’t ( like running in the rain or some other wild thing). And that 20 miler? It’s the most incredible feeling ever to see those numbers… celebrate that moment!

You’re right lady, seeing those numbers felt pretty amazing–something I never thought I would see before, honestly!
That’s incredible how the duathlon training has pushed your fitness and broadened your mental capacity. Sometimes I have people ask me how I stay so dedicated to fitness endeavors–I think the bigger reason than my health is that it flows over and aids so many other aspects of my life! I don’t think my head would be right if I didn’t push myself physically.
Thanks for reading lady. Looking forward to hearing about your duathlon, very exciting.

I love the cute photo, but I love more listening to how you have grown into this marathon thing. It is so different then “running”, don’t you agree? It is character building at it’s finest hour, and defines how you handle “the tough stuff’. “…my tolerance for discomfort is as an all time high”. Wow. Wow. Have a good run tomorrow. PS. I checked the weather. Looks inviting for 20! You got this. You don’t need me to be proud of you, you only need yourself for that, but dang it…I am.. The wind that blows in tomorrow and messes your hair. 🙋🏼 Jus cheering you on…

Yes Donna, you are DEFINITELY right, SO much different than just running. People try to describe it before you start but I really think every person that wants it has to experience it for themselves. I’m telling you, getting sober has been the biggest most important thing I have done in my life–but this is really right below it. It’s changed my life. It’s also introduced me to amazing people like you–I am so grateful!!
I may not need you to be proud of me, but I’ve got to say, it feels really good. Thank you for all the support. 20 went really well today-and the weather held out, just like you said. Posting a recap soon. Have a lovely Sunday Donna–maybe with some baseball? x

Agree that people need to experiment with diet. I think people can be put off or even annoyed/feel harassed when people try and force a diet that works for them. I do believe that vegetarianism is going to become more important from a sustainability standpoint, but the only thing I ever say to people when we get on this topic is: ‘could you eat one meal a day without meat?’, ‘could you ensure 25% of all your meals are vegetable?’, ‘could you do one day a week with no meat?’

It’s annoying to be preached at so I try really hard to catch myself if I ever approach preach territory. But I’m very comfortable with the prospect of trying to get people to question what they do with their diet. Even if it just gets someone thinking ‘maybe I can up the vegetable percentage’ or ‘I’m going to make an effort to buy healthier/better sources meat’. It’s all progress.

Thanks so much for this girl! You are so right, training in one thing has such an effect on everything else. Sometimes I have people ask how i stay so committed to fitness goals. I think the truth is, I get SO much more out of training than fitness-it would have a hugely negative impact on so many things in my life if I let it go. So much to learn from all of it.
Thanks for your well wishes–so happy to have you here, please come back!

I was thinking about you today as I told a friends husband that I’m running a marathon in two weeks, and my training has been way below par. I thought of how hard you’ve been working, how dedicated you are to your training, and how much you’ve learned about yourself along the way. You deserve that medal their gonna hang around your neck, that buzz you’re gonna get from the crowds cheering you on. You will have earned every high! I’ll think of you again when I stumble over my finish line, probably very broken and wishing I had been a third as dedicated as you have!

You are going to smash this!

On the subject of learning things about yourself though. I’ve taken up playing Ice Hockey in the last four months. I didn’t know the game and couldn’t skate, it’s been an immense learning curve so far! But what I have learned is that I can focus my stubbornness and competitive nature into improving my skills, and when I want something enough my lack of skill seems to be forgotten about. So trust in your focus girl. Nearly there!

Debbie, I swear what you wrote here gave me everything I needed for 20 today. I take different things from each one of my blogger friends. I feel like i connect with you because you’re such a dreamer, just like I am. A dreamer that’s always going to try her best to DO. You inspire me like crazy–ICE HOCKEY?! Are you kidding me? People like you have me believing there’s nothing we can’t do. I need that. Every day. Thank you lady. x

Wow, so glad you get inspiration from me chick, I get it ten fold from you. You’re training really has been awesome. And we definitely can achieve anything. I’m a firm believer in being able to achieve whatever you put your mind and focus into. I wanted to be a tree surgeon so trained for it and learnt all I could. I wanted to do obstacle races so pushed my running. I wanted to do a marathon so uped my distances. An Ultra, up we go again. Ice Hockey, bloody love it! I’ve also applied for the Army reserves, they open the infantry to women next year, passed my selection, basic training set for December! Anything is achievable 😁

Well done! Sounds like your smashing through your training. I used to love running in the rain when I was back in the UK but can’t stand it now in Singapore. I’m hoping to get a half marathon done at the weekend so hopefully it stays dry for both of us..

Um, hello dedication. Good job! I am not sure I would have made the same decision. I am still at the transformation stage of my journey. This post gives me hope that there is something even more awesome on the horizon. Good luck on the big 20. I have no doubt you’ll rock it like a champ and I look forward to reading all about it next week. 🙂

I am not sure I will make the same decision the next time Deanna, lol. I surprised myself!
Also, your transformation is clear in every one of your posts–I’ve seen so much change in you, and I’ve only known you digitally for a few months. Those big changes are always harder to see in ourselves. We are so hard on ourselves. I’m not gonna say “you’ll get there”, cause I don’t think that’s true– I think you already are there, you are doing it. When you’re in the middle of amazing change, it doesn’t always feel amazing, but doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
My best friend at home tells me that all the time…”you’re in it–right now, this is it.” I love thinking about it–cause i know it’s true, and i don’t want the time to pass me by without acknowledging it just because it doesn’t feel how i thought it might.
Ok, I’m done. Sorry, that was a lot. I’m such a yapper. Have a great weekend lady, happy running!

Serious commitment there, Cat! Love it that you honored yourself by doing the full distance even though it would have been soooo easy to go the cozy route on a rainy day. Feels good to discover that inside of yourself, I’ve found. I’ve also found over the years that I have to pay attention to a number of my inner voices, including the one who lets me know that I’ve done enough and should let go of a plan before I get hurt. Can take a lot of discernment, “is this tired, bored, minor soreness, normal part of conditioning? or, am I actually at risk of an overuse injury?” I doubt I’ll ever get it all right, but I aim for improved self-listening.
You are inspiring me with your journey. Doubt I’ll ever do a marathon, but I’m considering some 10 Ks. At this point, in my beginning training journey, my long runs are in the 4 mile range. Hope to get to 5 by the end of October, and 10K by the end of the year.. Reducing overuse injuries is part of why I mix it up with triathlons.

I hear you Steph. I think this training has been the most wonderful tool I have ever had for discerning those voices and really hearing that one that tells me to slow down too. This plan has me resting more often than I ever was before and that has taught me so much–I never realized how much better I could perform with MORE rest and less push!! It’s been really wonderful and I am grateful to have had the chance to do this and experience something different–it’s made me learn a lot about my body and what it likes best.
I also def hear you about the overuse injuries– I love my yoga and strength training, but often wonder if I should find something else as well to mix it up. I don’t really enjoy biking and swimming is tough. We will see.
It sounds like you are right where you should be to get to that 10k. I feel like you train really mindfully and are great at listening to your body so I am sure you can trust what you feel like is right as you approach it. I wonder if next year you will be telling me about a 10 miler you’ve decided on. I’m telling you, that’s how it starts lady ;). We will see…x

thanks, Cat. And as for that slippery slope on 10K and then 10 milers, yes, I’ve caught a few glimpses. I’m just leaving it in the wait and see category. Is it fun, and is it healthy for me and the right use of my time and energy at this time? Lots of ifs and I don’t need to address the future ones at this time, hooray!
The balance you have now sounds like its working for you. And once the marathon is done, you may want to look at what sounds fun now. There’s always figure skating ;). x

I think there is a capacity both uncover and build oneself. But the trap I reckon one can easily fall into is defaulting straight to the building and development angle. It’s easy to take a mindset of “if I do this for this long at this effort I’ll become that”, rather than peeling back the layers of yourself and seeing what’s underneath. Life is very uncertain but we can be decisive in making efforts to know ourselves. I think it’s easy to fall into the reverse though: depend on a certainty that doesn’t really exist and to stagnate in indecisiveness.

Following on from that and what I’ve learned: meditation has become a daily practise that I really look forward. Being able to acknowledge the noise and clutter and randomness that occurs when I’m sitting for a half hour has really allowed me to react less and think about what I’m doing. Its helped me calmly get through the beginning phases of a new job where there is lots of new things I’m not yet familiar with, and I truly think its going to help me with food and eating impulses.

I’ve been comfortably vegetarian since March and have mostly removed dairy from my diet. Its helped me a lot as I’ve suffered from digestion problems and acid reflux in the past, mainly because of gluttony. Changing my diet has helped this tremendously. I intend to explore veganism and reducing my sugar intake (and trying to replace as much chocolate and snacks with fruits) not only for the potential health benefits, but I think it will make me feel physically and mentally better on a day to day basis. Six months ago I wouldn’t have the confidence I could take steps to get on that path. Now, I think it will be very challenging and require constant diligence and discipline (more with the sugar reduction than vegan), but possible.

Strong week Cat, it seems like everyone has a race this weekend! Thankfully I’ll be doing only 10K rather than 20 miles 😀 All the best!

Reacting less. That has been huge for me as well Paul. Before I got sober–I thought life was happening to me–and that everything that happened required a reaction from me. I can’t tell you how many circumstances that come up now that are managed peaceably because I pause, and withhold my emotion, and just let things play out. I don’t have any control over what happens in the world but I can control how i react to it, and that’s something.
That’s great you are figuring your diet out, it’s so important. Nutrition is a HUGE part of my life–and also–I LOVE food. Learning to love things that really nourish me has been one of the biggest gifts of my life I think. I can’t do the dairy either, been off of that and gluten and really most grains for years.
That’s great that the vegan/vegetarian diet is working for you. It’s great to experiment and see what feels best. I definitely need to eat meat, but I work hard to be a responsible meat eater. I also eat veggies at all three meals–I would say they make up the largest part of my diet. It took a while for me to eat that way but now my body is so accustomed to it, it craves the right things, naturally. Eating/nutrition is def one of my biggest journeys–and it affects all the other ones as well!

Super-impressed with your determination Cat. I miss having the big goal race to train for. When my alarm went off at 5.30am this morning, there was a moment when I thought, “why am I doing this?”. I got up and went out, but without the marathon to train for it’s definitely harder…..

I’m sure you will set your sights on some goal soon enough Ali–I feel you though. I can’t say I’m excited for how it’s going to feel to not have that goal–it really makes you go for it and makes those wake ups a hell of a lot easier!

Congrats on that hard workout. Any runner knows it can be tough to finish when it just wasn’t there in the first place.

I think we mentioned before that I love running in the rain. It’s just a different type of running. I carry a foldable raincoat when I suspect it’s coming and slip it on when the rain comes down hard enough. I was in the Coast Guard, a little water isn’t going to stop me! and I’d bet it can’t stop you either!

Nothing long this week planned. I’m just ramping up after my last race but I have another in a couple weeks so I’m just trying to keep moving. I’ll send positive thoughts and prayers your way while you are at it though!

It’s the feet Josh! When my feet get soaked, I get blisters and I find it hard to traction my feet on the ground–I feel like i am going to slip and i find it pretty miserable!
Forecast just changed today predicting rain both tomorrow and Sunday–feeling a little discouraged about this 20 now. But like you say, I can’t let it stop me. Just bums me out cause it takes some of the joy out of it for me–I am not quite as badass as you I’m afraid!
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers–I am going to need them this weekend I think. Have a great weekend yourself Josh, thanks!

Ah. I love how you describe your self-discovery. I totally get that. One of the reasons I run marathons is because the training is such an ego boost a lot of the time.
Recently, I learned things about myself while working on intimate relationships. It may sound weird, but the things that are easy for some are more challenging for others.
Good luck on your 20 Miles! I’ve got 10 Miles lined up. 🙂

That doesn’t sound weird at all, it’s so interesting how we all have our strengths and our struggles. Relationships are probably my biggest teacher in life–and I think the most important!!
Thank you for the well wishes on the 20–go get that 10, and enjoy!! x

Gettin’. It. Done. Nice work. Take those tough, rainy, sweaty, chafy runs and store that feeling of accomplishment away for race day. Things don’t always go as hoped, and it’s so nice to be able to pull tough memories from your back pocket and remind yourself, “Hey. I did that. This is nothing compared to that. Bring it on.”

I bet there were people at the gym looking at you like “Damn. I wish I was that hardcore.”

Go girl!
I’ve been that person on the treadmill too that fills the cup holder with sweat… and I have found that most people see the determination, guts, and drive not the sweat, messed up hair, and wet clothes. Way to get those miles in!

I have a 20 miler also on Sunday. (Will send good vibes with no chance of rain to NYC) You’ve got this girl!

Haha, sweat in the cup holder, I freaking love it! I am going to start thinking what you say–that people are seeing my determination instead of my crazy hot messiness ,lol, i like that better!
I am going to channel you on Sunday–knowing you are out there getting 20 in too is going to be an awesome feeling!! And yes, please no rain!! Thanks girl, have a great rest of the week!

I managed to get a 7 mile club run done last night (on a school night too!) so feeling pretty good.
That’s a great effort to get back out and finish your run on the treadmill. I don’t think I could do that, the gym bores me. Well done!

Yes Charles–I know a lot of people hate the gym. I actually love it, but NOT for long runs–gotta be outside. I guess the point is it got done though, right?
Congrats on the 7 miler, def impressive on a school night. I am always super impressed by anyone who runs at night. I used to when i was in college but now i’m an AM girl or it just doesn’t happen–too many good excuses to keep me from it the more the day goes by. Big thumbs up to you for that!

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!! I don’t want you’re marathon training to end, lol, its bringing back all my training feelings! You should feel super proud! I found that same new me during marathon training too, I don’t think I’d ever stuck at any goal so much in my life before grit and determination were new to me! . Wait till you feel that post 20 miler feeling – its the BEST- you are going to smash it!

Aww, thank Ang-is it weird that i have had moments where i am sad it is going to end too? I thought I would be a one and done but now i don’t know anymore!! I am really glad i have documented all of this–sometimes I feel like my posts are lame but I feel like I am going to be really glad at some point I am able to look back on all of it.
Did you blog about your training? I feel like I would want to look back and read about it– I always love your writing and i am sure there would be plenty to take from your experience of all of this.
Also, thanks for the love about the 20 miler–can’t believe it’s only in a few days–nervous but excited too!

I did, pretty much all of my posts from January to May this year are training updates- it wasn’t the best training but I’m glad I documented it! I actually met with my Marathon running group last night, we all seem to be missing training, even 5 months on…well, we miss not seeing each other every Saturday, I don’t fancy a 20 miler right now, haha! You definitely WILL look back on this experience fondly, you might run more marathons in the future but you’ll never experience the first one again!

You are an absolute ledge bag, I was once told ( by an 18 year old friend of my daughter) that treadmill didn’t count as running …I had to be held down, I wanted to kick him into touch!! I always sweat more on the treadmill…Wonderful post S x

Girl!! I had to go look up what ledge bag meant–I love that the urban dictionary tells me it’s a Dublin phrase, I LOVE it–although not sure I am deserving!!
That friend of your daughters is a whack job–the treadmill is a beast–you are a beast!! And I’ll say I’m a beast too after that tough as hell run :).

Hi! Congrats on your rain run, sounds tough! I’ve got a 10 mile race in a week and a half and I’ve barely trained since my half marathon 4 weeks ago! Think I’ll need a miracle to get through this one! All the best for your 20 miler! Sam x

Hi Sam!! Well at least you’ve got that half under your belt from a few weeks ago, I think your legs will remember, especially if you just take it nice and easy. I need to find more 10 milers, I think that is a fun distance!! Good luck with that race, and thanks so much for the well wishes on my 20–glad to have them and glad to have you here as well!!

You are so impressive! You deserve a standing ovation👏🏻. I love hearing how you persevere and problem solve your way to success.
I feel like running has made me the person I was meant to be. I think I was an active person always on the inside, I just didn’t listen to that person for way too many years.
I’ll be thinking of you and cheering for you this week:)

Aww, I don’t know about that girl, but thank you! I guess I was giving myself a mini ovation on Sunday cause I surprised myself. It seems like that is happening with you as well–capable of way more than you even realized! Love that about running.
Also, you make such a good point on whether we listen to that person inside us–amazing to hear that voice get stronger the more we listen to it!

Thanks for your good thoughts lady, I am going to need them! 10 miles this morning–went well but now a bit sore sitting at my desk!

This was awesome. Feel ya on the rugged grind on days we want to chill. And Star Wars marathon is a must-see, but pride and the grind is much more important. Keep going! And nobody can match your hustle in the gym! 🤙🏽

Haha, thanks Pete! I don’t think anyone could match my hustle THAT day at least :). How are you doing out there, how’s training? I’ll go check and see if there’s an update on your blog. Hope everything is going well! x

Again…..so admire the resilience inside of You! I think living life uncovers who we really are, layer by layer, like peeling an onion. At each layer, we uncover a new piece of us. Realizing potential we sensed, now known, but may have remained a mystery if we didn’t push ourselves on. I hear a spark in you that I know from my life of Nursing. Was retired, but back working full-time cause I missed giving. I feel so whole and at PEACE. I run with you these next two weeks in prayer. God Bless You! Peace! Pat

Wow Pat, I am so inspired by you! You remind me of my Dad whom you might know is in the healthcare field as well. He is a retired doctor, but volunteers now for I think much the same reason you say–he misses that giving, it is so much a part of who he is. I am glad that going back has given you peace, that is wonderful.
You will be with me Pat during the race for sure–I can’t tell you how much your support has meant to me over the past few months. Thank you Pat!